Special Report: Tornadoes

Updated 2017

Photo: NOAA

So far in 2017, more than 300 tornadoes have been reported—the highest amount since 2008. During the week of April 3-6, 2017, nearly 3 dozen tornadoes swept through the south, causing damage in 11 states.

Severe weather wreaks havoc nationwide, but springtime storm outbreaks are wrought with high sustained winds, hail that ranges in size from golf balls to softballs, destructive lightning, and torrential rain.

The devastation that tornadoes cause impacts not only people but also wildlife, and is a stark reminder of the increasing impacts from severe weather events and climate change. Pictured above is an image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of a tornado that recently swept through New Orleans.

When communities start to regroup after the storm and schools start opening again, students and educators may struggle to transition back into the classroom and to cope with the aftermath of the storm.

This special section of the NWF Eco-Schools USA website contains information, articles and curriculum that can help students understand why natural disasters happen and how you can use these as teachable moments for your students and their families.